By Damion Martindale
The three-time defending National Champion Montana State University-Northern wrestling team has signed Chester High School standout Scott Riggin to a national letter of intent to wrestle next fall, announced head coach David Ray.
Scott Riggin, at 5-foot-8, 141 pounds, is the younger brother of current MSU-Northern wrestler Brent Riggin, who was a four-time state placer for the Coyotes.
Scott Riggin won the state title back-to-back in 1999 and 2000. Compiling 133 wins to only 16 losses in his four years at Chester High School, Riggin was extremely dominant during his last two seasons, only losing three times while winning 70 matches, and dominating at the Class C Montana State Wrestling Tournament.
Ray said that he will probably red-shirt Riggin during the 2000-2001 season. He sees Riggin as a 141- or 149-pound wrestler for the Lights.
"Scott has a great competitive spirit and that will raise the level of the others in the room," Ray said. And, as far as having brothers in the room, Ray is thrilled. "It is always great to have brothers in the room. It just makes them compete that much more, especially when they are so close in weight."
Riggin's strength is wrestling on his feet, as an exciting, explosive scrambler, which is one of many ways Riggin can beat you.
One thing coach Ray will really be looking at it is how well he makes the transition from high school wrestling to the college ranks.
"Some wrestlers have problems adapting to the college style, but I don't think Scott will have any problems with this. I'm sure Brent and him have gone at it many times," Ray said.
Not only is Riggin a great wrestler, but he will also be a great asset to the community and to the college, Ray said.
Riggin intends on studying Criminal Justice while at Northern. He is the son of Dale and Connie Riggin.
